Researchers from Seville (Spain) recently used a validated questionnaire to determine the frequency with which 316 female cyclists from an association took nutritional supplements, the type of supplement and the reasons for taking them.

Results published in the journal Nutritional values​ found that 85.1% of the female racing cyclists surveyed used SS.

The main reason given for taking dietary supplements was “health status”, the second most common reason being “athletic performance”.

“These results provide the first evidence of SS use among female road cyclists and highlight certain patterns that need to be considered,” the authors concluded.

Nutritional supplements for cyclists ​

Cycling is a physically demanding sport with significant aerobic demands. SS can play a crucial role in training and competition planning and is mainly used to improve energy availability, performance, training support and micronutrient management.

SS consumption is widespread among athletes and increases among elite athletes compared to lower-level athletes in the same sport. However, SS consumption is higher among men than among women in the same category, level and sport.

The number of federation licenses in women’s cycling in Spain has increased recently. However, the authors of the current study noted: “Despite progress in gender equality and the increasing participation of women in various sports, there is a notable lack of scientific studies aimed at establishing specific nutritional recommendations for female athletes and other physically active women.”